PROBLEMS OF DISTRIBUTION 251 
like the atmosphere of reason in which it is 
enshrouded), made up of thought with just 
enough of fact to give it substance, and, in 
between, layer upon layer of more or less 
highly generalised experience. In this work 
we have exercised our intellects rather than 
our senses, in the main, and kept our atten 
tion focussed on the apex ; but in the present 
chapter portions of some intermediate layers 
have been worked through, partly for utili 
tarian reasons, but partly also to afford an 
object lesson of the manner in which abstract 
theory may be an aid, though not the sole 
agency, in the solution of practical problems. 
Had the limitations of these volumes per 
mitted, the same thing might have been done 
as regards other problems, and it might have 
been demonstrated that in the settlement of 
business policy, in matters of taxation and 
the function of the State with reference to 
industry, commerce and social conditions, 
economic theory furnishes, if not complete 
solutions, at least suggestions and indications 
without which we could never make a start. 
At the same time, however, for any handling 
of these problems worth having, a study of 
quite another order is called for, namely the 
study of ends or ideals. 
To remove all flaws from social conditions